Memory of the World Register - Nomination Form
Mauritius - Records of the French Occupation of Mauritius
Abstract
Series of records of the French occupation of Mauritius, then known as Isle de
France, and the early English period - 17th and 18th century. These series
include records of the early French settlements in Isle de France, and Bourbon,
other islands of the Indian ocean, Port of Africa and Asia. Records of the East
India Company, navigation, pirates and corsairs, naval troops and battles in the
Indian ocean and the first European settlers in this part of the world.
Identity and Location
Name of the Documentary Heritage: Records of the French occupation of
Mauritius
Country: Mauritius
State, Province or Region: Address: Mauritius Archives, Coromandel, Petite Rivière
Name of Institution: Mauritius Archives
Legal Information
Owner: Government of Mauritius, Mauritius Archives
Custodian: The Chief Archivist, Mauritius Archives, Coromandel, Petite Rivière
Legal Status:
Category of ownership: Public
Details of legal and administrative provisions for the preservation of the
documentary heritage: Records preserved at the Mauritius Archives under the
Archives Act, 1952
Accessibility: Records accessible to the public for consultation and research
Copyright status: Responsible administration: Identification
Description: These records include:
- Acte de Prise de Possession - 1715
- Mahe de Labourdonnais - Related documents with biography
Pierre Poivre - Related documents with biography
Ordres et règlement du Marquis de Bussy, commandant général des troupes de
terre et de mer au-delà du Cap, ayant trait à l'expédition de l'Inde
Contrats d'engagement d'ouvriers pour l'Isle de France établis à Rochefort,
Brest, Lorient, Pondicherry et Port Louis - 1768 à 1789 OA 39 A & B
- Records relating to slavery in Mauritius, the Indian Ocean islands, Asia and
Africa :
Code Noir 1723 - Ordonnance ou Code Noir. Lettres patentes en forme d'édit
concernant les esclaves des Isles de France et de Bourbon
Livres pour servir à porter jour pour jour les captures des noirs fugitifs dans tous
les quartiers. 15 décembre 1772 - 31 décembre 1775
Registre pour servir à l'enregistrement des actes de liberté accordés à des
esclaves. 5 février 1785 - 29 juin 1790. OA 74 - 129 pages. 5 novembre 1776 31 janvier 1786. OA 86 - 120 pages. 17 février 1786 - 20 janvier 1792. OA 87 237 pages.
Series of records on slavery:
IA 21 - Documents concernant le recensement des esclaves. 1815 - 1820
ID 1 - Weekly reports of the distribution of Government slaves. 1 November - 31
October 1819
ID 2 - Return of the number of slaves imported into Mauritius under the
provisions of the Act of 59th Geo III C 120 either as domestic servants or
permanently transferred.
Return of the number of slaves transferred from Mauritius to its dependencies
Return of the number of marriages legally solemnised between slaves
Return of the number and names of slaves levied upon or sold for taxes
Visual documentation: Mahe de Labourdonnais
IC/19 Layout of Port Louis in 1736 by Labourdonnais
IC/23 Map illustrating exploration of Seychelles in 1742-1744
Management Plan
The Mauritius Archives is the custodian of most of the administrative records
dating back as far as 1715. These records reflect the whole history of Mauritius.
The successive governments of the country from 1715 to date have shown their
interest for the preservation of these records.
Each year a budget is voted in the National Assembly for the running of the
Mauritius Archives.
The documents are preserved according to archives administration principles
and the current budget voted is Rs 3,288,000, which include Rs 2,130,000 as
personal emoluments. The Mauritius Archives has on its establishment two
preservation officers. The present Mauritius Archives is housed in a rented
building at Coromandel. Plan to have a purpose-built building is on the way. A
new bill will be introduced shortly in the National Assembly with provision for a
modern Conservation Unit.
Assessment against the Selection Criteria
Contextual assessment: These records depict a picture of the early conquests
settlements in this region of the world (17th & 18th century): pirates, corsairs,
expeditions and naval battles in the Indian Ocean. Details about the slave trade,
treatment of slaves, the struggle for the abolition of slavery and the
compensation paid.
Rarity: Most of the records are originals. They are unique manuscripts,
correspondence and records.
Consultation
Owner: Government of Mauritius
Custodian: The Mauritius Archives is represented in "Memory of the World"
National Committee
Regional or National Memory of the World Committee: A Memory of the
World" National Committee has been set up under the aegis of the Ministry of
Arts, Culture and Leisure, with representatives of the major information centres
having in their custody documents of historical value and national/international
importance. The selection and nomination is carried out by the Administration of
the Mauritius Archives after discussions with the "Memory of the World" National
Committee and a site visit.
Nominator
Name : "Memory of the World" National Committee c/o the Ministry of Arts,
Culture and Leisure
Relationship to doc. heritage: The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Leisure is the
parent Ministry responsible for the National Archives
Contact person: The Chairman of the "Memory of the World" National
Committee
Contact details: Ministry of Arts, Culture and Leisure, 7th Floor, NPF Building,
Port Louis